Leftie Labour MP says her ‘stomach churned’ when she saw English flags | UK | News
A left-wing Labor and Co-operative MP described British flags as “frayed pieces of cloth” and said they should be removed from lampposts. York Central MP Rachael Maskell, who was sentenced to the lash this year after rebelling against Sir Keir Starmer, said her “stomach churned” when party members waved St George’s crosses at the recent party conference.
Speaking at a university event, Ms Maskell said: “I personally think we need to take a break from flags at the moment and my stomach churned when everyone hoisted the St George flag at the Labor Party conference… this is not the Labor Party. “And Keir Starmer with two Union Jacks behind him… it’s not the Labor Party. “The Labor Party is a rebel against the colonial state, you know, it’s not about owning it. “So I think taking a break from the flags will be therapeutic for all of us when we have to grapple with that.” It followed Sir Keir’s keynote speech in Liverpool, in which he called on members to “fly our flags”.
Ms Maskell was suspended as the Labor Whip in July this year after she rebelled against Sir Keir Starmer’s benefit cuts.
In August, a campaign group launched “Operation Raise the Colours”, which included displaying the Union Flag and St George’s Cross in public places, tying flags to lampposts and painting them on mini roundabouts. Supporters say it’s to promote patriotism.
The campaign gained huge traction on social media after councils including Tower Hamlets and Birmingham began demolishing them. He also found support from members of political parties across the political spectrum, including the Conservative Party, UK Reform and the Labor Party.
In August, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described the councils’ move as “shameful”. Writing in the Daily Mail, Ms Badenoch said flying British flags should be “welcomed” rather than “seen as an act of rebellion”.
“After years of politicization by those who want to destroy Britain’s culture and Christian heritage, it is encouraging to see British flags flying proudly as symbols of unity, nationhood and optimism,” he said.
He continued: “Raising the British flag won’t stop division. It will fuel it further.”
Mrs. Maskell told Sun He is trying to “build unity, not division” following racist incidents in York.
